A coalition of Civil Society Organisation comprising the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) and the Trans Fat Free Nigeria coalition on Monday called on Nigerians to be circumspect and avoid the consumption of Trans-Fatty foods which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
At a press conference in Abuja in commemoration of the 2022 World Food Day,the Executive Director, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, Mr. Akinbode Oluwafemi said the theme of this year is, ‘Leave No One Behind’, is apt considering global challenges and international tensions that have affected global food security.
According to him, combating cardiovascular diseases is beyond behavioural change as the burden of the diseases needs conscious effort from the government to reduce its incidences.
“Trans Fat can be found in baked foods, fries, pre-packaged foods, and cooking oils. It Is also in butter, salmon, egg yolks and cows’ milk and foods we consider our favourite, On this premise we can assert that there is no hiding place for any one of us unless the government acts and fast too” he added.
Also, Nigeria Food and Nutrition coordinator, Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), Joy Amafah, urged government to hasten the passage of the regulation to limit the consumption of trans fatty acids from the Nigeria food supply chain.
She said this will help cater to the needs of the population regardless of social class or status and encourage access to healthy food options for all. It will also safeguard Nigerians and reduce the inflow of trans-fatty foods in the market.
